
Best Opticians in Tynemouth
From independent practices on Front Street to long-established family optometrists in Whitley Bay, here are the best opticians in Tynemouth and North Tyneside.
Whether you need a routine eye test, a new pair of glasses, or specialist contact lens fitting, having a good optician nearby makes all the difference. Tynemouth and the surrounding North Tyneside coast are well served by a mix of independent practices and national chains, several with decades of experience in the area. Here is our guide to the best opticians in and around Tynemouth.
Concept Eye Clinic
Concept Eye Clinic is located right on Front Street in Tynemouth at number 25, making it the most central optician for anyone living in the village. The clinic offers comprehensive eye examinations and stocks a curated range of designer eyewear from brands including Tom Ford, Moscot, Gucci, and Maui Jim.
Beyond standard eye tests, the clinic provides a personal styling service to help you find frames that suit your face shape and lifestyle. The practice is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm, which is particularly convenient for those who struggle to get away during the working week. You can contact them on 0191 296 6124.
Best for: Designer eyewear on Front Street, personal styling service, open seven days a week.
Advanced Vision
Advanced Vision has been serving the North Tyneside coast for over 20 years from its practice at 7 Percy Park Road, Tynemouth, NE30 4LZ. The practice is now led by Khameran Ahmed, who brings 15 years of experience in optics.
Advanced Vision offers free NHS eye examinations for those who are eligible, OCT scans for a detailed three-dimensional view of the back of the eye, and free fundus photography with every eye examination. The practice also has extensive experience fitting contact lenses for patients of all ages, from young children to older adults. With over a thousand frames in stock, there is plenty of choice. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Call them on 0191 257 0856.
Best for: Over 20 years on Percy Park Road, OCT scans, free fundus photography, contact lens specialists.
Steel & Varley Opticians
Steel & Varley Opticians is the oldest established optometrist in the area, founded in Whitley Bay in 1926. Their main practice is at 209-211 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2SY, with additional branches covering Monkseaton and North Shields.
The practice offers specialist eyecare services alongside standard eye tests and carries a full range of designer frames. Appointments are 45 minutes long, giving the optometrist time for a thorough examination rather than rushing through the basics. With nearly a century of service on the North Tyneside coast, Steel & Varley have built a reputation for careful, unhurried eye care and knowledgeable dispensing advice.
Best for: Established 1926, 45-minute appointments, specialist eyecare, multiple branches.
Robinson Optometrists
Robinson Optometrists is an independent practice at 64 Front Street, Monkseaton, NE25 8DP, less than five minutes' walk from Monkseaton Metro station. The practice has been providing quality eye care and eyewear since 1991 and has won Industry Excellence Awards.
Robinson Optometrists offers comprehensive eye examinations, contact lens fitting, and a well-chosen selection of frames. Free parking is available directly outside the practice, which is a welcome bonus for anyone driving from Tynemouth or further afield. The independent nature of the practice means you receive genuinely personal service from a team that knows its patients. Call them on 0191 251 6102.
Best for: Award-winning independent practice since 1991, free parking, Monkseaton Metro nearby.
Specsavers North Shields
Specsavers North Shields is located at Unit 3, The Beacon Centre, 35 Bedford Street, North Shields, NE29 6QA. As part of the UK's largest optician chain, the North Shields branch offers the full range of Specsavers services including eye tests, hearing tests, glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.
The Beacon Centre location provides easy access with town centre parking, and the branch benefits from Specsavers' well-known pricing structure including two-for-one offers on glasses. For those who prefer the convenience and familiarity of a national chain with competitive prices, the North Shields branch is the closest Specsavers to Tynemouth. You can reach them on 0191 258 8220.
Best for: National chain pricing, two-for-one offers, hearing tests, Beacon Centre town centre location.
When to Have Your Eyes Tested
The NHS recommends an eye test at least every two years for most adults, or more frequently if you are over 60, have a family history of glaucoma, or have diabetes. Children should have their eyes tested before starting school and regularly thereafter. All of the practices listed above accept NHS patients, and eye tests are free for children, over-60s, those on certain benefits, and people with specific medical conditions.
If you experience sudden changes in vision, flashing lights, or new floaters, do not wait for a routine appointment. Contact your optician or visit A&E as soon as possible.
Know an optician we've missed? Get in touch.
Mentioned in this article
Concept Eye Clinic
25 Front Street, Tynemouth, NE30 4DX
Advanced Vision
7 Percy Park Road, Tynemouth, NE30 4LZ
Steel & Varley Opticians
209-211 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2SY
Robinson Optometrists
64 Front Street, Monkseaton, NE25 8DP
Specsavers North Shields
Unit 3, The Beacon Centre, 35 Bedford Street, North Shields, NE29 6QA